A group of 29 coaches from seven African countries converged on the beautiful university town of Stellenbosch, South Africa for a six-day coaching course. The course was organised and funded by the ITU and BG group partnership. The learning, sharing and networking of the coaches from the African Continent was a unique experience for everyone and bodes well for the future of the sport in Africa. The group was welcomed by the African Regional Federation President, Liesbeth Stoltz. Her address motivated the group to dream of having an African on the podium by London 2012.

The countries represented were: Nigeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, South Africa. Libby Burrell, ITU, Director of Sport Development, was overwhelmed by the level of coaching talent at the course and noted that with hard work and commitment the continent can look forward to some real advancement over the coming years. The level of networking that took place at the course was remarkable and it became apparent to all that ‘together’ they can be so much stronger.